U.S. patent number 7,416,445 [Application Number 12/004,368] was granted by the patent office on 2008-08-26 for electrical connector housing cover.
This patent grant is currently assigned to FCI Americas Technology, Inc.. Invention is credited to Cecil Brown.
United States Patent |
7,416,445 |
Brown |
August 26, 2008 |
Electrical connector housing cover
Abstract
An electrical connector housing including a base; and a cover.
The cover is adapted to be connected to the base to capture at
least one electrical connector component in the base. The cover
includes a first section and a second section. The second section
is movably connected to the first section by a connection. The
second section is movable between an open position relative to the
base and a closed position. The connection includes a detent
latching system for latching the second section in the open
position to allow access to a location inside the base.
Inventors: |
Brown; Cecil (Canton, MI) |
Assignee: |
FCI Americas Technology, Inc.
(Reno, NV)
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Family
ID: |
39263434 |
Appl.
No.: |
12/004,368 |
Filed: |
December 19, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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11811085 |
Jun 7, 2007 |
7354310 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
439/596 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01R
13/424 (20130101); H01R 43/20 (20130101); H01R
13/5213 (20130101); H01R 13/506 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
H01R
13/40 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;439/188,352,620.05,467,713,596 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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1 150 389 |
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Apr 2001 |
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EP |
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2 138 639 |
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Oct 1984 |
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GB |
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WO-2005/112201 |
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Nov 2005 |
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WO |
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WO-2005/112201 |
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Nov 2005 |
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WO |
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Other References
Drawing, "1.0 mm NWP System IFK Connector", Yazaki Corp., 1 page,
Feb. 24, 2005. cited by other .
Drawing, "1.0 mm NWP System IFK Connector", Yazaki Corp., 1 page,
Feb. 8, 2005. cited by other.
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Primary Examiner: Ta; Tho D
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Harrington & Smith, PC
Parent Case Text
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This is a continuation patent application of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/811,085 filed Jun. 7, 2007, now U.S. Pat.
No. 7,354,310.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An air bag electrical connector housing comprising: a base
comprising a plug section adapted to be plugged into a mating
electrical connector, wherein the base comprises contact receiving
areas adapted to house electrical contacts; and a cover adapted to
be connected to the base to capture the electrical contacts in the
base for subsequent connection to the mating electrical connector,
wherein the cover comprises a first section and a second section,
wherein the second section is movably connected to the first
section by a connection, wherein the second section is movable
between an open position relative to the base and a closed
position, wherein the connection comprises a detent latching system
for latching the second section in the open position to allow
access to a location inside the base.
2. An air bag electrical connector housing as in claim 1 wherein
the connection comprises a pivot connection.
3. An air bag electrical connector housing as in claim 1 wherein
the first and second sections are separate members comprised of
different materials.
4. An air bag electrical connector housing as in claim 1 wherein
the second section is adapted to snap-lock connect with the base in
the closed position.
5. An air bag electrical connector housing as in claim 1 wherein
the base comprises at least one aperture through a bottom side of
the base into the location, wherein the base and cover are sized
and shaped to allow portions of contacts to be crimped in the
location through the at least one aperture and from above the
location when the second section is at the open position.
6. An air bag electrical connector housing as in claim 1 wherein
the first section is adapted to snap-lock connect to the base to
capture the at least one electrical connector component in the base
regardless of the position of the second section.
7. An air bag electrical connector housing as in claim 1 wherein
the first and second sections are distinct separate members.
8. An air bag electrical connector housing as in claim 1 wherein
the base comprises at least one aperture through a bottom side of
the base into the contact receiving areas.
9. An air bag electrical connector housing as in claim 8 wherein
the at least one aperture is adapted to be covered, least
partially, by the mating electrical connector.
10. A squib electrical connector comprising: an air bag electrical
connector housing as in claim 1; and at least two electrical
contacts mounted in the base of the electrical connector
housing.
11. A squib electrical connector as in claim 10 further comprising
at least one ferrite member mounted on the at least two electrical
contacts.
12. An air bag squib electrical connector comprising: electrical
contacts; and a housing having the electrical contacts therein,
wherein the housing comprises: a base having contact receiving
areas, wherein the electrical contacts are located in the contact
receiving areas, and wherein the base further comprises at least
one aperture through a bottom side of the base into the contact
receiving areas; and a cover connected to a top side of the base to
capture the electrical contacts in the base for subsequent
connection to a mating electrical connector, wherein the cover
comprises a first member and a separate second member, wherein the
second member is pivotably connected to the first member by a
connection, wherein the second member is movable between an open
position relative to the base and a closed position, wherein the
connection comprises a latching system for latching the second
member in the open position to allow access to a location inside
the base.
13. An air bag squib electrical connector as in claim 12 wherein
the base comprises a plug section adapted to be plugged into the
mating electrical connector.
14. An air bag squib electrical connector as in claim 12 wherein
the latching system comprises a detent latch system.
15. An air bag squib electrical connector as in claim 12 wherein
the first and second members are comprised of different
materials.
16. An air bag squib electrical connector as in claim 12 wherein
the second member is adapted to snap-lock connect with the base in
the closed position.
17. An air bag squib electrical connector as in claim 12 wherein
the base and cover are sized and shaped to allow portions of the
electrical contacts to be crimped in the location through the at
least one aperture and from above the location when the second
member is at the open position.
18. An air bag squib electrical connector as in claim 12 wherein
the first member is adapted to snap-lock connect to the base to
capture the electrical contacts in the base regardless of the
position of the second member.
19. An air bag squib electrical connector as in claim 12 further
comprising at least one ferrite member mounted on the electrical
contacts.
20. A method of assembling an air bag squib electrical connector
comprising: providing an electrical connector housing base, wherein
the base comprises contact receiving areas and at least one
aperture through a bottom side of the base into the contact
receiving areas; inserting electrical contacts into the base; and
connecting a cover to the base to capture the electrical contacts
in the base, wherein the cover comprises a first member and a
distinct separate second member, wherein the second member is
pivotably connected to the first member by a connection, wherein
the second member is movable between an open position relative to
the base and a closed position, wherein the connection comprises a
latching system for latching the second member in the open position
to allow access to a location inside the base.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to an electrical connector and, more
particularly, to an electrical connector housing cover.
2. Brief Description of Prior Developments
Electrical connectors such as squib connectors or air bag gas
generator connectors are well known in the art. Some electrical
connectors, such as shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,616,045 and 6,663,411
B2, have housings with movable cover sections. In U.S. Pat. No.
6,663,411 B2 the housing and the cover have sections attached by
living hinges which can be moved to allow crimping of electrical
contacts onto conductors.
There is a desire to be able to provide an electrical connector
which is substantially pre-assembled except for connection of its
contacts with conductors. U.S. Pat. No. 6,663,411 B2 shows one such
electrical connector. However, the connection of the movable
housing and cover sections merely by living hinges does not prevent
the housing and/or cover section from moving into the area where
crimping of the contacts will occur. This might damage the housing
and/or cover section or interfere with proper crimping. There is a
desire to provide an electrical connector having a housing which
allows for crimping of the contacts inside the housing, and which
is subsequently closed, but which is a substantially complete
assembly before crimping.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, an electrical
connector housing is provided including a base; and a cover. The
cover is adapted to be connected to the base to capture at least
one electrical connector component in the base. The cover includes
a first section and a second section. The second section is movably
connected to the first section by a connection. The second section
is movable between an open position relative to the base and a
closed position. The connection includes a detent latching system
for latching the second section in the open position to allow
access to a location inside the base.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, an electrical
connector housing is provide comprising a base and a cover. The
base has contact receiving areas and at least one aperture through
a bottom side of the base into the contact receiving areas. The
cover is adapted to be connected to a top side of the base to
capture at least one electrical connector component in the base.
The cover comprises a first member and a second member. The second
member is pivotably connected to the first member by a connection.
The second member is movable between an open position relative to
the base and a closed position. The connection comprises a latching
system for latching the second member in the open position to allow
access to a location inside the base.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a method of
assembling an electrical connector comprising providing an
electrical connector comprising an electrical connector housing
comprising a base having contact receiving areas and at least one
aperture through a bottom side of the base into the contact
receiving areas; and a cover connected to a top side of the base to
capture at least one electrical contact in the base, wherein the
cover comprises a first member and a second member, wherein the
second member is pivotably connected to the first member by a
connection, wherein the second member is movable between an open
position relative to the base and a closed position, wherein the
connection comprises a latching system for latching the second
member in the open position to allow access to a location inside
the base; locating the second member at the open position; crimping
the at least one electrical contact onto at least one electrical
conductor through the aperture in the bottom side of the base and
an open area at the top side of the base into the location; and
moving the second member to the closed position to close the open
area at the top side of the base.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The foregoing aspects and other features of the invention are
explained in the following description, taken in connection with
the accompanying drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electrical connector comprising
features of the invention with a cover section in an open
position;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the electrical connector shown in
FIG. 1 from a different direction;
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the connector shown in
FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a perspective cross sectional view of the connector shown
in FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a perspective cross sectional view of the connector shown
in FIG. 4 from a different direction;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the connector shown in FIG. 1 from
a different direction with the cover section closed;
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the connector shown in FIG. 7 from
a different direction;
FIG. 8 is a partial side view of the rear end of the front cover
section shown in FIGS. 1-7;
FIG. 9 is a partial rear end view of the front cover section shown
in FIG. 8;
FIG. 10 is an enlarged exploded perspective view of the cover as
shown in FIG. 3;
FIG. 11 is a perspective cross sectional view of the connector
shown in FIG. 1 with the cover in a closed position; and
FIG. 12 is a perspective cross sectional view of the connector
shown in FIG. 11 from a different direction.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, there are shown perspective views of an
electrical connector 10 incorporating features of the invention.
Although the invention will be described with reference to the
exemplary embodiment shown in the drawings, it should be understood
that the invention can be embodied in many alternate forms of
embodiments. In addition, any suitable size, shape or type of
elements or materials could be used.
The connector 10 is shown prior to its connection to conductor
wires. In this embodiment the connector 10 is a squib connector
adapted to connect the conductor wires to a mating electrical
connector in a gas generator of a vehicle air bag safety system.
However, features of the invention could be used with any suitable
type of electrical connector. Similar connectors are shown in U.S.
Pat. Nos. 6,799,999 B2 and 6,997,750 which are hereby incorporated
by reference in their entireties. Referring also to FIG. 3, the
connector 10 generally comprises a housing 12, electrical contacts
14 and filters 16. In alternate embodiments, the connector could
comprise additional or alternative members. The connector 10 is a
right angle connector. However, features of the invention could be
used in an in-line straight connector.
The contacts 14 are conventional electrical contacts such as those
described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,799,999 B2 and 6,997,750 for example.
The contacts have a front end adapted to receive a male contact
section of a mating electrical connector. The contacts 14 also each
have a rear end 18 which is adapted to be crimped onto an
electrical wire. In alternate embodiments, any suitable type of
contacts could be provided.
The filters 16 comprise ferrite tubes which are mounted on the
front ends of the contacts 14. In alternate embodiments, any
suitable type of filter(s) could be used including a single filter
which mounts on both contacts, or a filter chip assembly such as
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,997,750 for example. In one type of
alternate embodiment, the connector might not comprise a
filter.
Referring also to FIGS. 4-7, the housing 12 generally comprises a
base 20 and a cover 22. The base 20 comprises a one-piece member
made of molded plastic or polymer material. The base 20 includes
two contact receiving areas 24 which extend through a front plug
section 26 and a rear wire termination section 28. The front plug
section 26 is sized and shaped to be plugged into the mating
electrical connector. The front plug section 26 has snap-lock
latches 30 to latch with the mating electrical connector. The front
plug section 26 and the rear wire termination section 28 are
substantially open at the top side of the base 20 to allow the
filters 16 and contacts 14 to be top side loaded into the base, and
then the cover 22 is connected to lock the filters 16 and contacts
14 in the housing. The front plug section 26 has snap lock recesses
32 (seen best in FIGS. 4 and 5) in its top side for receiving
snap-lock latches of the cover 22.
The rear wire termination section 28 has a bottom side with an
aperture 34 into the two contact receiving areas. Thus, the rear
wire termination section 28 of the base has both an open top side
and an aperture through its bottom side. In an alternate embodiment
the bottom side of the rear wire termination section 28 might have
more or less than one aperture 34. The rear end of the rear wire
termination section 28 also has a snap-lock latch 36, grooves 38
for the wires to pass through, and lateral side grooves with
latching surfaces 40.
The cover 22 comprises a first section 42 and a second section 44.
The second section 44 is movably connected to the first section 42
by a movable connection. In this embodiment the first and second
sections are separate members which are attached to each other.
However, in alternate embodiments, the first and second sections
could be a single member, but movable relative to each other. The
first section 42 is snap-lock connected to the top end of the front
plug section 26 to capture the contacts 14 and filters 16 in the
contact receiving areas at the front plug section 26. The first
section 42 has snap-lock latches 46 which are able to snap into the
snap lock recesses 32. Referring also to FIGS. 8 and 9, the rear
end of the first section 42 has pivot mounts 48 at its lateral
sides. The pivot mounts 48 have pivot holes 50 therethrough. The
outside surfaces of the pivot mounts 48 have a top latch recess 52
and a rear latch surface 54.
Referring also to FIG. 10, the second section 44 has a front end
with pivot posts 56 and latching arms 58, and a rear end with
latching surface 60 and two lateral side snap-lock latches 62. The
pivot posts 56 are located at outward lateral sides of deflectable
arms for mounting into the pivot holes 50 from between the two
pivot mounts 48. This rotatably mounts the second section 44 to the
first section 42 between an open position as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4
and 5, and a closed position as shown in FIGS. 6, 7, 11 and 12. The
latching arms 58 have inward projecting detent projections 59. In
the open position, detent projections 59 of the latching arms 58
project into the top latch recesses 52. This latches the second
section 44 in the open position on the first section and the base.
A user can rotate the second section 44 to the closed position as
indicated by arrow 64 in FIGS. 1 and 2. The latching arms 58 can
resiliently deflect outward with the detent projections of the
latching arms 58 moving rearward out of the top latch recesses 52.
As the second section 44 reaches the closed position, the detent
projections 59 of the latching arms 58 can move beneath the
latching surfaces 60 and deflect back to their home positions.
Referring also to FIGS. 11 and 12, when the second section 44
reaches the close position, the latch 36 can snap onto the rear
latch surface 60 and the snap-lock latches 62 can latch onto the
lateral side latching surfaces 40. Thus, in the closed position,
the second section 44 can cover the open top of the rear wire
termination section 28 of the base 20.
One of the features of the invention is the ability to retain the
second section 44 in the open position by the detent latching
system 58, 52. This allows the wires to be crimped onto the
contacts 14 at the rear ends 18 while the contacts are inside the
housing 12, and insuring that the second section 44 will not
interfere with the crimping operation or be damaged during the
crimping operation. After the wires are crimped to the contacts,
the second section 44 can be moved to its closed position to cover
over the crimped connection. The open aperture 34 at the bottom of
the base's wire termination section 28 allows access to the
crimping area by a bottom section of the crimping tool from the
opposite direction. The open top side of the wire termination
section 28 allows access to the crimping area by a top section of
the crimping tool while the second section 44 of the cover 22 is
open. When the connector 10 is connected to the mating electrical
connector, the aperture 34 can be at least partially covered or
closed by the presence of the mating connector at the aperture
34.
During manufacture of the connector housing, the second section 44
can be snapped into the first section 42. This allows the two
sections 42, 44 to be made from different tools and/or different
materials. The second section 44 can be locked in the open position
by its flexible beams 58 for easier handling during connection to
the wires.
In an alternate embodiment, features of the invention could be used
with a cover having a living hinge. As another alternate embodiment
features of the invention could be used with a cover having a
slidable connection between sections of the cover.
It should be understood that the foregoing description is only
illustrative of the invention. Various alternatives and
modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art without
departing from the invention. Accordingly, the invention is
intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and
variances which fall within the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *